Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park might be essentially the most underrated nationwide park within the US. Though the rock formations usually are not as towering because the Zion cliffs, and the drop-offs usually are not as steep because the Grand Canyon, there’s something magical in regards to the intricately sculpted hoodoos scattered across the park – to not point out the sensible orange glow of the stained limestone beneath the morning solar.
With all it has to supply, it’s possible you’ll surprise what are the perfect issues to do in Bryce Canyon throughout your time there. It will probably really feel overwhelming to plan a Bryce Canyon itinerary as a result of numerous choices for lodging, campgrounds, eating places, and the perfect occasions to go to.
I’ll reply all of your questions on this full information to the perfect issues to do in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park and supply an itinerary for a day in Bryce Canyon so you will get essentially the most out of your time on this distinctive Utah vacation spot.
Notice: This text was initially written by Taylor Pike and was up to date by me and the Bearfoot Idea Workforce in 2024.
Essential Reminder: Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please follow good path etiquette and keep in mind to Go away No Hint. This implies packing out all your rubbish (together with rest room paper), being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.
Why Go to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park?
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is positioned in Southern Utah and is thought for its distinctive pink rock formations. The park was established in 1928 and covers a complete space of 35,835 acres.
The primary attraction is the Bryce Amphitheater, filled with superbly eroded rock formations. These distinctive formations are referred to as hoodoos, that are orange and pink spire-like rocks that vary in top from a number of ft to over 100 ft. Standard viewpoints within the park alongside the Bryce Amphitheater embrace Dawn Level, Sundown Level, and Inspiration Level.
The park splits into two fundamental sections: the preliminary 3-mile part of the principle park street that includes the Bryce Amphitheater and the remaining 15 miles of the street referred to as the Southern Scenic Drive. Hikes and viewpoints alongside the Southern Scenic Drive are typically extra forested and have fewer hoodoos than the Bryce Amphitheater part.
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park can be dwelling to numerous wildlife, together with birds of every kind, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope. Along with mountain climbing, there are different adventurous issues to do in Bryce Canyon, together with tenting, horseback driving, biking, snowshoeing, stargazing, and extra.
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Greatest Time to Go to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
The very best time to go to Bryce Canyon is determined by what kind of expertise you need, which actions you wish to do, and the views you wish to see.
Bryce Canyon is open year-round, however the most well-liked months are Could-September. The temperatures throughout this time are heat, however the park doesn’t get as sizzling as different Utah nationwide parks on account of its elevation.
The day by day excessive temperature averages round 70-80 levels in July and August. Nevertheless, the summer time additionally brings afternoon thunderstorms which will result in rockslides, flash flooding, and potential path closures.
If you wish to skip a number of the crowds and have cooler climate, take into account visiting Bryce Canyon in the course of the shoulder spring and fall seasons.
Another choice is the winter. Guests can take pleasure in a novel have a look at the hoodoos beneath a coat of recent snow whereas avoiding the crowds when visiting within the low season. Simply remember that some trails and roads usually tend to be closed throughout this time on account of icy circumstances. Put together your luggage with winter mountain climbing garments and microspikes in the event you go to in winter. Additionally, take into account packing cross-country skis or snowshoes, or hire them from Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon Metropolis for a unique path expertise.
Due to the unpredictable climate year-round, control the climate and verify for closures earlier than visiting the park.
The best way to Get to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
When you flying, the closest huge airports are Las Vegas and Salt Lake Metropolis. From there you’ll want to order a rental automobile and drive to Bryce Canyon.
Tenting Close to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
Plan on bringing your RV, van, or tenting rig in your journey? The darkish sky in Bryce Canyon makes for unimaginable stargazing circumstances at night time for tenting. With paid campgrounds and dispersed tenting out there, you might have a number of choices on the place to sleep beneath the celebs throughout your journey to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park.
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park Campgrounds
There are two campgrounds out there to be used contained in the park. Every campground has 100 campsites and entry to a dump station with potable water close by. You can too go away your automobile parked at your campsite and use the free Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park shuttle to get across the park.
Each campgrounds have flush bogs together with hearth rings and picnic tables. Neither campground has showers or sewer, water, or electrical hookups.
North Campground
North Campground is on the east of the Guests Middle. Of the 100 campsites out there, half are for RV campers and the opposite half for tent campers.
The campground prices $30 per night time. First-come, first-served tenting is from January 1-Could 18. From Could 19-October 6, it’s essential to reserve a campsite on the Recreation.gov web site.
Sundown Campground
Another choice for tenting in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is Sundown Campground. This campground is close to Sundown Level, about 1.5 miles south of the Customer Middle.
There’s first-come, first-served tenting right here from April 15-Could 17 and October 15-October 31. From Could 18-October, there’s a 14-day reservation window from Could 18-October 14. You possibly can reserve a campsite on Recreation.gov.
Sundown Campground additionally has a reservable group web site at a further value.
Campgrounds Close to Bryce Canyon
There’s an abundance of paid personal campgrounds round Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. These campgrounds typically characteristic distinctive facilities that the campgrounds within the park don’t provide.
Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground
Anybody who has visited Bryce Canyon is aware of that Ruby’s Inn is the hub of lodging, tenting, consuming, and purchasing close to the park. It’s only a quick drive from the park entrance. The free park shuttle additionally stops right here for handy entry to the park.
The campground has cabins, tipis, RV, and tent areas to order. All RV areas have electrical and water hookups. The campground additionally gives company plentiful facilities, together with sizzling showers, web, and a pool.
Purple Canyon Campground
If you’re on the lookout for a scenic campground exterior the park with out all of the bells and whistles, take into account Purple Canyon Campground. This campground options gorgeous rock formations and path entry for mountain climbing and biking.
This campground doesn’t take reservations, and spots can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation from Could 5-October 9. There are not any hookups, however the campground gives ingesting water, flush and vault bogs, showers, and a dump station for company.
Bryce Canyon Dispersed Tenting
When you want to camp on dispersed land, there may be loads of nationwide forest land free of charge tenting in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. When you can not reserve a spot contained in the park, there isn’t a have to panic. There are a ton of free dispersed campsites inside a 20-minute drive of the park.
There are spots with epic views that require 4×4 and tenting areas which might be straightforward to entry inside forested areas. I like to recommend utilizing our final information to discovering free campsites to seek out your best dispersed campsite close to Bryce Canyon.
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Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park Lodging
When you want to not camp, there are alternatives for lodging each throughout the park and in close by cities reminiscent of Bryce Canyon Metropolis or Tropic.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park gives a lodge contained in the park for individuals who want to remain close to the paths and sleep indoors. The Lodge is positioned close to the Bryce Amphitheater and has over 100 rooms out there to reserve. A restaurant close to the foyer serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it an ideal cease for a fast chunk earlier than or after a day of mountain climbing.
The Lodge is open April 1-November 1 and gives cabin leases, motel rooms, and suites ranging in value. Make sure you verify which choices will likely be out there throughout your go to.
Different Bryce Canyon Motels & Glamping Choices
There are numerous motels out there proper exterior of Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park.
You can too keep in Tropic, a city just some miles down the street with cabins, retailers, and eating places to discover. Though it’s a additional drive to the park, lodging right here usually prices much less.
Eating places in Bryce Canyon
Whether or not you might be tenting or staying in a lodge, it’s possible you’ll wish to exit to eat at eating places in Bryce Canyon. Though there aren’t many choices for eating within the space, there are a number of choices within the nationwide park together with the small cities of Bryce Canyon Metropolis and Tropic. If you’re on a plant-based weight loss plan, like myself, or produce other dietary restrictions, I like to recommend planning forward and bringing your individual meals, because you received’t discover a lot at these eating places.
Eating places in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
Eating places in Bryce Canyon Metropolis and Tropic
Listed here are a number of of the extra fashionable eating places exterior of Bryce Canyon.
Grocery Shops in Bryce Canyon
There are a number of grocery shops for the times you don’t want to dine out. For easy groceries and last-minute objects like sunscreen, head to Ruby’s Inn Common Retailer or the Common Retailer in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. When you want extra groceries, head to Clarke’s Nation Market in Tropic.
The best way to Get Round Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
There are two methods most park guests journey from one level to a different throughout the park: driving or taking the park shuttle.
Driving in Bryce Canyon
The preferred technique to discover Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is by automobile. For seven consecutive days of limitless entry, you may pay the park entry price of $35 per automobile (or snag an America the Lovely move in the event you plan to go to a number of nationwide parks throughout the yr).
Seize a map on the entrance or cease for one on the Guests Middle. It’ll present the park format, together with parking areas and trailheads.
The primary park street is eighteen miles lengthy. The primary 3 miles of the street are the most well-liked and fall throughout the Bryce Amphitheater part of the park.
When you proceed driving on the principle park street previous the primary 3 miles, this part turns into the Southern Scenic Drive. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from the Customer Middle to the furthest level of the street (Rainbow Level) with out stopping.
I like to recommend driving up the street with out stopping after which pulling over on the viewpoints in your approach down so they’re simpler to tug out and in of on the right-hand facet.
When you plan on coming into the park earlier than or after peak hours, you shouldn’t have a lot hassle discovering a parking spot. The park is busiest between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Plan to reach early to safe your parking spot or take into account taking the park shuttle.
Bryce Canyon Park Shuttle
The Bryce Canyon shuttle runs from April to October and stops inside and out of doors the park. The shuttle is free with proof of buy of a park entrance move, which additionally covers your group members.
The draw back of utilizing the park shuttle is that the earliest shuttle leaves at 8:00 a.m., which is just too late to view the dawn. Most shuttle stops are at fashionable viewpoints with trailhead entry, lodging and tenting areas, and buildings just like the Customer Middle.
Pay attention to the shuttle hours (they alter primarily based on the season). When you get to the shuttle cease too late, it’s essential to discover a completely different approach again to your campsite or resort.
Prime Trails in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is stuffed with adventures and mountain climbing trails for individuals of all talents. You probably have restricted time to discover, listed below are the prime 3 trails in Bryce Canyon.
1. Navajo Loop and Queens Backyard Path
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- Sort: Loop
- Elevation Achieve: 652 ft
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Issue: Reasonable
- Trailhead begin: Dawn Level or Sundown Level
A number of trails run by way of the Bryce Amphitheater, however the most well-liked (and rightfully so) is the Navajo Loop and Queens Backyard Path. This hike combines a bit of the Navajo Loop with the Queens Backyard Path for the last word hoodoo expertise.
You possibly can start your hike from both Dawn Level or Sundown Level. Mountain climbing this loop counterclockwise, you’ll descend the steep switchbacks of the Navajo Loop originally of the hike as an alternative of climbing them on the finish of the loop.
Since this can be a fashionable path, it is best to begin early within the morning to soak up the views with out the warmth or the path site visitors. When you get up to catch the dawn from Dawn Level one morning, you can begin this path just some ft out of your viewpoint.
This dreamlike path takes you down by way of the canyon the place you’ll expertise the grandeur of the large and intricately carved hoodoos. Cease at factors alongside the path just like the Thor’s Hammer hoodoo and Queen Victoria hoodoo and admire the awe of those geological formations.
On the Navajo Loop facet of the path, you may select to take the switchbacks or observe a branching route by way of Wall Avenue, a slim path by way of colossal partitions on both facet. This part of the path is closed by way of Could 2024 and through winter months, however in the event you can take this route throughout your keep, remember to take the chance.
Ensure you convey numerous water for this hike and the opposite vital day mountain climbing necessities, particularly in the event you plan on trying this path later within the day in the summertime months. Excessive temperatures plus excessive elevation can result in dehydration, so drink greater than you usually would to remain hydrated and use ample solar safety.
There’s additionally an opportunity of thunderstorms within the afternoons, particularly in July and August. Carry a rain jacket or poncho in your mountain climbing pack.
2. Peekaboo Loop Path
- Distance: 5.2 miles
- Sort: Loop
- Elevation Achieve: 1,528 ft
- Time: 3 hours
- Issue: Reasonable
- Trailhead begin: Bryce Level
Desire a barely longer hike by way of the canyon? The Peekaboo Loop Path has simply what you might be on the lookout for. Stroll by way of the southern facet of the canyon to see the levels of hoodoo formation, together with the Wall of Home windows.
With steep inclines, this can be a rather more strenuous path carved into the facet of the cliffs. You possibly can entry the path from the Navajo Loop Path or the 1.5-mile path from Bryce Level.
3. Fairyland Loop
- Distance: 7.9 miles
- Sort: Loop
- Elevation Achieve: 1,555 ft
- Time: 4 hours
- Issue: Reasonable
- Trailhead begin: Fairyland Level
The Fairyland Loop is my favourite path in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. This path is within the northern area and passes shut by spiraling hoodoos. Hikers will expertise a lot of the identical landscapes because the Navajo Loop and Queens Backyard Path talked about above however with much less foot site visitors.
It’s best to begin the Fairyland Loop hike early within the morning to get dawn views and beat the mid-day warmth. Additionally, pack numerous water as a lot of the path is uncovered.
When you go to within the winter, begin this hike at Dawn Level since Fairyland Highway is closed in the course of the winter. I like to recommend bringing traction units like microspikes because the path can get icy and slick.
Different Issues to Do in Bryce Canyon
Relying on time, take a look at this checklist of different issues to do in Bryce Canyon for a memorable expertise.
1. Backpack the Beneath-the-Rim Path
- Distance: 22.9 miles
- Sort: Level-to-point
- Elevation Achieve: 5,500 ft
- Time: 2-3 days
- Issue: Onerous
- Trailhead begin: Rainbow Level or Bryce Level
- Allow Required: Sure
Whereas I’ve but to do an in a single day mountain climbing journey in Bryce Canyon, there are a number of backpacking choices within the park for the last word journey seekers. The preferred backpacking path in Bryce Canyon is the Beneath-the-Rim Path.
This 22.9-mile path stretches from Rainbow Level to Bryce Level among the many hoodoos by way of the park’s forested backcountry. Hikers usually go south to north, and you should utilize the free park shuttle to get a journey again to your automobile.
Buy a backcountry allow from the Customer Middle or Recreation.gov to backpack in Bryce Canyon. It prices $15 per particular person, and it’s possible you’ll solely camp on the designated campsites alongside the path. Water sources alongside the Beneath-the-Rim Path are restricted, so do loads of analysis whereas planning your journey.
2. Watch the Dawn over the Bryce Amphitheater
The Bryce Amphitheater is the principle canyon to see the very best focus of hoodoos. Hoodoos are rock spires shaped over tens of millions of years from shifting land and water and freezing temperatures. As the weather regularly chipped away on the rock, the plateaus remodeled into partitions, home windows, and eventually, into the hoodoos we see at present.
In the course of the summer time months, the dawn normally takes place just a little after 6:00 a.m. When the solar peaks over the distant plateaus, a radiant mild slowly paints the hoodoos. From the viewpoints across the Amphitheater, you may watch this colourful transformation.
Most guests select to look at the dawn from Dawn Level (the apparent alternative). Nevertheless, as dawn will get nearer, this space is bombarded with individuals squeezing onto the small touchdown.
If you’re on the lookout for different choices for viewing the dawn, BFT contributor Taylor recommends watching the dawn from Sundown Level. Though it sounds backward, the view is nearly similar to Dawn Level, and there may be loads of room to take a look at the entire canyon and take footage.
If nothing else, stand someplace alongside the Rim Path between Sundown Level and Dawn Level to look at as a kaleidoscope of oranges, pinks, and yellows turns the canyon right into a golden paradise.
Tip: Temperatures throughout early and late hours might be low due to the park’s excessive elevation. Whether or not you might be visiting in the summertime or winter, at all times convey some heat layers, particularly in the event you plan on visiting the park earlier than dawn.
3. Go to the Viewpoints
There are 9 viewpoints at Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. They’re all price testing you probably have the time.
My favourite viewpoint within the park is Inspiration Level. Situated west of Sundown and Dawn Factors, this location provides you the next view than these alongside the Rim Path, permitting you to take a look at the numerous hoodoos from afar. The pure variety of rock spires will astound you.
4. Go Horseback Driving in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park gives horseback driving excursions on the Peekaboo Loop. When you’d prefer to relaxation your legs and nonetheless see the splendor of the internal canyon, reserve a 2-hour guided path journey with Canyon Path Rides.
Horseback rides start for the season as soon as the snow and ice soften, usually round April 1.
5. Take the Southern Scenic Drive
When you drive previous the preliminary 3 miles of the principle park street within the Bryce Amphitheater part, the Southern Scenic Drive begins. Drive the remaining 15 miles of the park street as much as Rainbow Level and expertise the forested part of the park.
I like to recommend driving for 40 minutes straight to Rainbow Level with out stopping. In your approach again down, cease and see the majestic magnificence all through the canyon. With a number of scenic factors, you will note Bryce Canyon from each perspective potential.
Plan about two to 3 hours to finish this 36-mile roundtrip drive.
6. Stargaze on a Night time Hike
One of many extra unusual options of Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is the starry sky that glows over the park come dusk. With limitless stars, night time hikes are an effective way to expertise the paths by headlamp.
On full moons, you may take part in a ranger-led Full Moon hike. With solely the moonlight to information you, these treks are one-of-a-kind.
Bryce Canyon 1-day Itinerary
When you plan to go to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park for the primary time, use this Bryce Canyon itinerary that will help you plan your day. This itinerary is designed for one adventure-packed day within the park with a mix of hikes and stops alongside the viewpoints within the park.
Beneath is a Bryce Canyon 1-day itinerary that will help you profit from your time on this lovely park.
1. Catch the Dawn at Inspiration Level
Among the finest occasions of the day in Bryce Canyon is dawn. Watching the solar illuminate the hoodoos within the Bryce Amphitheater is heavenly.
To look at the dawn, drive into the park early and take the principle park street to the car parking zone for Inspiration Level. This spot is much less crowded than Dawn Level or Sundown Level at dawn, providing a extra peaceable expertise (and higher images).
Inspiration Level is likely one of the greatest spots for dawn in Bryce Canyon. Though you may hike up the steep incline to the very best overlook at Inspiration Level, you do not need to do that because the view shouldn’t be considerably higher. You may get canyon views in a 1-minute stroll from the car parking zone.
2. Drive to Dawn Level
After dawn, drive to the car parking zone for Dawn Level. If you’re craving espresso or a donut, cease within the Common Retailer by Dawn Level. There are restrooms and coin-operated showers right here in the event you want them.
As soon as settled, fill your water and seize your mountain climbing pack. Stroll to the Dawn Level overlook and admire the huge canyon under.
Then, stroll half a mile on the Rim Path to Sundown Level. From right here, you may see the enduring Thor’s Hammer hoodoo.
3. Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Backyard Path
In your stroll from Dawn Level to Sundown Level, you accomplished the primary half mile of the most well-liked hike within the park: the Navajo Loop and Queens Backyard Path. Keep on the Navajo Loop path previous Sundown Level to proceed this reasonable 3-mile hike.
You possibly can select to descend the steep switchbacks or take the Wall Avenue part of the path (whether it is open while you go to). This path will drop you into the canyon to see the hoodoos up shut.
Take an offshoot of the path to Queens Backyard to see the Queen Victoria hoodoo. Then, take pleasure in strolling beneath three tunnels alongside the trail. The hike is simple to reasonable, and the one uphill climb comes on the finish to get again to Dawn Level; nonetheless, this climb is gradual, and you’ll cease for breaks as wanted.
4. Take the Southern Scenic Drive
Whenever you end mountain climbing, head again to your automobile and settle in for a little bit of a drive. You’ll take the principle park street to the southernmost level: Rainbow Level.
I like to recommend driving straight to Rainbow Level with out stopping on the way in which up. It’s a couple of 35-minute drive from the Dawn Level car parking zone.
The Southern Scenic Drive will take you thru the 15-mile forested park part. This part is much less crowded than the Bryce Amphitheater and gives vastly completely different views.
When you get to Rainbow Level, park and go searching to admire the views. On the drive down, you may cease on the different scenic viewpoints, which will likely be simpler to tug out and in of on the right-hand facet.
5. Eat Lunch within the Park
In your drive again to the Bryce Amphitheater part of the park, cease for lunch at The Lodge, Valhalla Pizzeria, or have a picnic.
There are picnic tables close to the Common Retailer by Dawn Level. You should purchase a number of mild choices within the Common Retailer in the event you didn’t convey a lunch.
6. Cease by the Customer Middle
After consuming, cease by the park Customer Middle. Right here, you may take a look at the Customer Middle Museum, which options displays on geological, ecological, and human impacts, and night time sky and air high quality displays. You can too store for souvenirs and get a stamp in your nationwide park passport.
7. Stroll or Bike on the Shared-Use Path
For the rest of the afternoon, go away your automobile within the Customer Middle car parking zone and take a stroll or bike journey down the 5-mile paved Shared-Use Path that runs by way of the park.
When you don’t have a motorbike, you may hire normal bikes and e-bikes within the park for 2 hours. It’s a stress-free technique to benefit from the path and see the park.
8. Seize Dinner
When you didn’t cease at The Lodge or Valhalla Pizzeria for lunch, you possibly can take into account one among these spots for dinner. Or, take a look at a restaurant in Bryce Canyon Metropolis or Tropic. You can too swing by your campsite or resort to make dinner earlier than you head again to the park for sundown.
9. Catch the Sundown
After you might have time to eat and loosen up, head again into the park to look at the sundown from Sundown Level. Whether it is crowded, there are related views of the canyon at Dawn Level or alongside the part of the Rim Path between these factors.
10. Stargaze within the Park
To finish the night time, keep previous the sundown to see how the celebs illuminate the sky. On clear nights, you may see the Milky Method.
Carry a headlamp for an evening hike to maintain the journey going. When completed, you may head to your campsite or resort for the night and reminisce in your day in Bryce Canyon.
Wish to go to extra nationwide parks? Take a look at these assets:
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Have you ever visited this lovely nationwide park? What are your favourite issues to do in Bryce Canyon? Did we miss something in our Bryce Canyon itinerary? Tell us within the feedback!
This text was initially written by Taylor Pike and was up to date by the Bearfoot Idea group in 2024.
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